Santas take over the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb

Annual Dress Like Santa Day draws over 100 people to ski for free

ST. NICK TAKES TO THE SLOPES. Santa Claus visits Whistler to take part in the annual Dress Like Santa Day, Dec. 13.

The weather wasn't too bad for Santa's flight to Whistler from the North Pole this morning.

"Well, it was wet and windy, Ho, Ho, Ho," said St. Nick as he waited along with over 100 impersonators on the deck of the GLC there to enjoy Whistler Blackcomb's annual Dress Like Santa Day.

Asked if he takes part in the dress-up day every year Santa said: "I do this 365 days of the year. Ho, Ho, Ho!"

Of course he does.

Today though he was joined by scores of part-time Santas who dressed up like the jolly, old elf to get a free day of skiing on the mountains and to spread Christmas cheer.

"It is really amazing to see everyone out here," said Whistler Blackcomb's Chris McLeod.

"It animates the whole mountain for everyone and we are excited to have everyone here."

The alpine opened today on Whistler and Blackcomb as well, drawing hundreds to the early morning Village Gondola line-up. But regular snow sliders had to wait their turn as the Santas, Mrs. Claus, elves and even a Christmas tree got to upload first in the new six-million dollar gondola cabins.

"It is so much fun," said Santa Roxane Carr of Vancouver, who has a place in Whistler and is up with family for the day.

"When else do you get to spend time skiing with 100 other Santas?"

Nephew-elf Angus Dickson, 10, said he chose to be a Santa's helper because, " I have a pass, so I didn't need to dress like Santa and ski free," as he showed off his elf-boots, which had to have the bottoms cut out of them to fit over his ski boots.

The first 100 Santas to arrive got free passes to ski or board for the day, as well as a chance at other prizes.

"Skiing for free is always a great thing, but dressing up and getting ready for the holidays is amazing," said McLeod.

"It really feels like winter up (on the mountains), especially for people from say, Vancouver, where they don't have the snow and the white, so dressing up like Santa to come up the mountain, and start that holiday spirit going, is really amazing."